Canadian Citizenship Test cheat sheet

The citizenship test has 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions drawn from the official study guide 'Discover Canada'.

The test is in English or French only; applicants must answer in one of Canada's two official languages.

Passing requires at least 15 of 20 correct answers, i.e. 75 percent.

There is no time limit on the test itself; the appointment slot is typically 30 to 90 minutes including check-in.

Questions cover Canada's history, geography, government, economy, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The test is normally written or taken on a computer at an IRCC office, though eligible applicants may take it online.

Applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time of application must take the test; those 55 and older are exempt.

The test is one component of the citizenship grant process; it does not by itself grant citizenship.

A citizenship officer may also assess language ability during the same appointment.

The official study guide is 'Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship', available free from IRCC.

The guide is published in both English and French; studying in the language of the test reduces translation errors.

Test questions are based on the content of 'Discover Canada', not on outside material.

Key sections to know: Who We Are, Rights and Responsibilities, Government, Elections, Justice, History, Symbols, and Geography.

The guide includes review questions at the end of each chapter; these mirror the style of test items.

Names and dates that commonly appear: 1867 Confederation, 1982 Charter, 1215 Magna Carta, 1982 Constitution Act.

Provincial and territorial capitals, the five regions, and the three territories are frequently tested geography facts.

The rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the responsibilities of citizenship are core topics.

After submitting a complete application, IRCC reviews it for completeness and eligibility before scheduling.

IRCC sends the test invitation by email or mail; the notice states the date, time, and location or online link.

Applicants should keep their contact information current with IRCC so invitations are not missed.

Processing times vary; IRCC publishes current processing time estimates on its website.

Applicants can check application status using the IRCC online status tool or by contacting the call centre.

An Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirms the application was received but is not a test invitation.

IRCC may request additional documents before scheduling; responding promptly prevents delays.

The invitation may come with a fingerprint or background-check request if security screening is required.

The online test is taken through a secure IRCC web link, usually within a set window stated in the invitation.

Applicants must confirm identity and may be monitored by webcam during the online test.

The online test has 20 questions and requires 15 correct to pass, same as the in-person test.

A stable internet connection and a quiet, private space are required; interruptions may invalidate the attempt.

The test must be completed in one sitting; the system locks after submission.

Applicants who fail the online test are typically invited to an in-person or virtual retest.

Technical issues must be reported to IRCC immediately; screenshots and reference numbers help.

The online test uses the same question bank drawn from 'Discover Canada' as the in-person test.

Applicants who miss a scheduled test must contact IRCC as soon as possible with a reason.

IRCC may reschedule if the absence is due to a valid reason such as illness, bereavement, or travel emergency.

Missing a test without a valid reason can lead to the application being treated as abandoned.

A rescheduled test is typically offered within a few weeks to months, depending on office capacity.

Documentation supporting the reason (e.g., medical note) may be requested.

Applicants should not assume a missed test is automatically rescheduled; IRCC must be notified.

If IRCC declares the application abandoned, the applicant may need to reapply and pay fees again.

Contacting IRCC through the web form or call centre creates a record of the missed appointment.

Results are usually communicated at the end of the test or shortly after for online tests.

Passing the test (15/20 or more) moves the application to the next stage: review and ceremony scheduling.

Failing the first attempt results in an invitation to a second test, usually within 4 to 8 weeks.

Failing both attempts leads to a citizenship hearing with a citizenship officer.

A passed test does not grant citizenship; the oath of citizenship at a ceremony is the final step.

Applicants receive a Notice to Appear for the citizenship ceremony after all requirements are met.

The oath of citizenship must be taken in English or French and includes allegiance to the King and Canada.

Citizenship certificates are issued after the ceremony; applicants may apply for a passport afterward.

Applicants can check the status of their application online after the test.